Ishita's All-Time Favorites
Mexican Gothic
By
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia could write a stylized phone book and I’d probably still read it because I am so in love with her beautiful, lush, evocative style. Luckily, MEXICAN GOTHIC has much more going for it than style — it has a brilliantly seductive plot, following Noemí Taboada, who receives a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin to save her from some mysterious doom. A cinematic, haunting masterpiece that calls back to JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Also, you will never look at mushrooms the same way again.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia could write a stylized phone book and I’d probably still read it because I am so in love with her beautiful, lush, evocative style. Luckily, MEXICAN GOTHIC has much more going for it than style — it has a brilliantly seductive plot, following Noemí Taboada, who receives a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin to save her from some mysterious doom. A cinematic, haunting masterpiece that calls back to JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Also, you will never look at mushrooms the same way again.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia could write a stylized phone book and I’d probably still read it because I am so in love with her beautiful, lush, evocative style. Luckily, MEXICAN GOTHIC has much more going for it than style — it has a brilliantly seductive plot, following Noemí Taboada, who receives a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin to save her from some mysterious doom. A cinematic, haunting masterpiece that calls back to JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Also, you will never look at mushrooms the same way again.
The City of Brass: A Novel (The Daevabad Trilogy)
By
S. A. Chakraborty
Magic! Political intrigue! Genies! The first book of the Daevabad trilogy sets up a rich and complex society. Nahri, the protagonist, is a talented con woman who uses palm reading and sleight of hand to swindle Ottoman nobles. During an exorcism in Cairo, she summons a djinn warrior named Dara, and sets out on a journey with him to discover her true identity. Incredibly immersive and beautifully written, with twists and turns going so often that you’re never sure who you’re rooting for. Check out the sequel, Kingdom of Copper as well as the third book in the trilogy, Empire of Gold
Magic! Political intrigue! Genies! The first book of the Daevabad trilogy sets up a rich and complex society. Nahri, the protagonist, is a talented con woman who uses palm reading and sleight of hand to swindle Ottoman nobles. During an exorcism in Cairo, she summons a djinn warrior named Dara, and sets out on a journey with him to discover her true identity. Incredibly immersive and beautifully written, with twists and turns going so often that you’re never sure who you’re rooting for. Check out the sequel, Kingdom of Copper as well as the third book in the trilogy, Empire of Gold
Magic! Political intrigue! Genies! The first book of the Daevabad trilogy sets up a rich and complex society. Nahri, the protagonist, is a talented con woman who uses palm reading and sleight of hand to swindle Ottoman nobles. During an exorcism in Cairo, she summons a djinn warrior named Dara, and sets out on a journey with him to discover her true identity. Incredibly immersive and beautifully written, with twists and turns going so often that you’re never sure who you’re rooting for. Check out the sequel, Kingdom of Copper as well as the third book in the trilogy, Empire of Gold
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
By
Isabel Wilkerson
This is one of my favorites in terms of analyzing the systemic racism that affects our country. Isabel Wilkerson has a lyrical, storyteller-like style that immediately draws you in, making the people stuck in these systems humans instead of statistics. Rather than rely on an academic style, Wilkerson instead invites you in to just sit down and absorb. Her framing of the injustices involving race in America through the lens of the caste system of traditional Hinduism is a perfect way to get a grasp on concepts that you may not be familiar with.
This is one of my favorites in terms of analyzing the systemic racism that affects our country. Isabel Wilkerson has a lyrical, storyteller-like style that immediately draws you in, making the people stuck in these systems humans instead of statistics. Rather than rely on an academic style, Wilkerson instead invites you in to just sit down and absorb. Her framing of the injustices involving race in America through the lens of the caste system of traditional Hinduism is a perfect way to get a grasp on concepts that you may not be familiar with.
This is one of my favorites in terms of analyzing the systemic racism that affects our country. Isabel Wilkerson has a lyrical, storyteller-like style that immediately draws you in, making the people stuck in these systems humans instead of statistics. Rather than rely on an academic style, Wilkerson instead invites you in to just sit down and absorb. Her framing of the injustices involving race in America through the lens of the caste system of traditional Hinduism is a perfect way to get a grasp on concepts that you may not be familiar with.
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating
By
Adiba Jaigirdar
This book has such a special place in my heart because it features the first ever character in a book that I share a name with - Ishita. The sheer wonder of finally having a book in the world that features the tropes of a fake relationship but the twist of having it be between two queer Bengali girls is something that I never thought I would get to experience. Author Adiba Jaigirdar writes with such livelihood that the characters absolutely leap off the page. A brilliant YA contemporary romance in all sorts of ways!
This book has such a special place in my heart because it features the first ever character in a book that I share a name with - Ishita. The sheer wonder of finally having a book in the world that features the tropes of a fake relationship but the twist of having it be between two queer Bengali girls is something that I never thought I would get to experience. Author Adiba Jaigirdar writes with such livelihood that the characters absolutely leap off the page. A brilliant YA contemporary romance in all sorts of ways!
This book has such a special place in my heart because it features the first ever character in a book that I share a name with - Ishita. The sheer wonder of finally having a book in the world that features the tropes of a fake relationship but the twist of having it be between two queer Bengali girls is something that I never thought I would get to experience. Author Adiba Jaigirdar writes with such livelihood that the characters absolutely leap off the page. A brilliant YA contemporary romance in all sorts of ways!
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
By
Casey McQuiston
Did the years 2016-2020 make you politically depressed? Come live in this alternate near history, where the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England fall in love! But it is so much more than that. Alexander Claremont-Diaz, despite being the son of the president, is incredibly relatable in his journey of discovering his sexuality and learning to reconcile his biracial identity while also grappling with an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship with the shy, yet surprisingly deep Prince Henry. Realistic? No. But who needs realism when trying to think about that era?
Did the years 2016-2020 make you politically depressed? Come live in this alternate near history, where the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England fall in love! But it is so much more than that. Alexander Claremont-Diaz, despite being the son of the president, is incredibly relatable in his journey of discovering his sexuality and learning to reconcile his biracial identity while also grappling with an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship with the shy, yet surprisingly deep Prince Henry. Realistic? No. But who needs realism when trying to think about that era?
Did the years 2016-2020 make you politically depressed? Come live in this alternate near history, where the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England fall in love! But it is so much more than that. Alexander Claremont-Diaz, despite being the son of the president, is incredibly relatable in his journey of discovering his sexuality and learning to reconcile his biracial identity while also grappling with an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship with the shy, yet surprisingly deep Prince Henry. Realistic? No. But who needs realism when trying to think about that era?
Check, Please! Book 1: # Hockey
By
Ngozi Ukazu
Out of Stock Indefinitely
Ngozi Ulazu’s debut graphic novel, containing years one and two of her immensely popular webcomic series, is funny, heartfelt, and full of emotional moments. Eric "Bitty" Bittle comes to Samwell University with a heart full of dreams and hands full of pie. Follow him as he adjusts to a liberal university after life in the Deep South, coming to terms with his sexuality, learning how to play physical hockey after years in a no-check league, and gaining incredible friendships along the way. With a full cast of characters that will all wiggle their way into your heart, CHECK PLEASE is the perfect happy queer graphic novel that you didn't know you wanted!
Out of Stock Indefinitely
Ngozi Ulazu’s debut graphic novel, containing years one and two of her immensely popular webcomic series, is funny, heartfelt, and full of emotional moments. Eric "Bitty" Bittle comes to Samwell University with a heart full of dreams and hands full of pie. Follow him as he adjusts to a liberal university after life in the Deep South, coming to terms with his sexuality, learning how to play physical hockey after years in a no-check league, and gaining incredible friendships along the way. With a full cast of characters that will all wiggle their way into your heart, CHECK PLEASE is the perfect happy queer graphic novel that you didn't know you wanted!
Ngozi Ulazu’s debut graphic novel, containing years one and two of her immensely popular webcomic series, is funny, heartfelt, and full of emotional moments. Eric "Bitty" Bittle comes to Samwell University with a heart full of dreams and hands full of pie. Follow him as he adjusts to a liberal university after life in the Deep South, coming to terms with his sexuality, learning how to play physical hockey after years in a no-check league, and gaining incredible friendships along the way. With a full cast of characters that will all wiggle their way into your heart, CHECK PLEASE is the perfect happy queer graphic novel that you didn't know you wanted!